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Report: Lakers center Dwight Howard aiming to start season opener

Lakers center Dwight Howard is aiming to start the season after having back surgery in April. (Noah Graham/Getty Images)

Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard is working his way back from a back injury and intends to play in the Lakers season opener, reports Yahoo! Sports.

The Lakers open training camp on Tuesday and begin the regular season on Oct. 30 at home against the Dallas Mavericks.

Howard has privately indicated his back has returned to 85 percent strength, sources said. He had surgery for a herniated disc in April and still needs doctor's clearance to engage in full training-camp activities with the Lakers.

Howard missed the final weeks of season and the playoffs for the Orlando Magic because of the surgery. Howard said he wouldn't sign a long-term deal with the Magic and they traded him to the Lakers as part of a four-team deal last month.